LEARN TO READ HEBREW CLASSES

Learning to read Hebrew is a great way to become more connected to services and prayers. Temple Beth El is offering a thorough beginning Hebrew class that will give you the opportunity to learn to decode and read Hebrew. Members and non-members are welcome. The class fee includes all materials. There are evening and morning classes offered at different times during the year.

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

SENIOR SAGE

Senior Sage 2017-2018 : The Prophets Speak to Us

Guided by Rabbi Asher Knight, this year’s Senior Sage participants will explore how “The Prophets Speak to Us”. The Israelite Prophets brought the Bible into existence. Their voices and visions continue to console, agitate, offer refuge in our distress, and provide visions about sustaining our faith in a complex world. This year’s Senior Sage program will be a survey of the timeless messages of the Israelite Prophets whose lives and teachings continue to inspire. Each month, participants will be provided with thematic reading material (via email) and be given the opportunity to consider and discuss one another’s personal perspectives through both open and small group discussions. Please note that class size may be limited. Register early!

Monday, October 23 – Israelite Prophets: The Phenomenon of Prophecy
Monday, November 27 – Revelation: Explaining the Past or Predicting the Future
Monday, January 22 – Justice: Morality over Ritual
Monday, February 26 – Living in Liminal Space: Between Old Orders and New Realities
Wednesday, March 21 – Return and Repentance
Monday, April 23 – Messengers of Messages and Hope
Wednesday, May 30 – The Limits and Dangers of Prophecy and Prophets

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

ELEMENTS OF JUDAISM

Elements of Judaism is an introductory course to Jewish thought, belief, and practice. Get a high level view of what Jewish people believe and how these beliefs are expressed in daily life. Elements of Judaism is designed for anyone who wants to reinforce or establish a foundation in understanding Judaism. Do you want to brush up on your basic knowledge? Are you part of an interfaith family? Are you considering conversion to Judaism? Just curious? This is the course for you.

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

COMPARATIVE RELIGION SERIES

A community-wide educational event designed for adults interested in interfaith programming. Temple Beth El hosts the Comparative Religion Series annually on six consecutive Tuesday evenings. The series is free and open to the public. Reservations are not necessary.

An example of recent topics:

U.S. Minority Religions: Jewish, Islamic, and Buddhist perspectives on Religion and Politics

SADIE LEVIN SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM

Scholar-in-Residence Programs are made possible by the generosity of Norm Levin in memory of his mother, Sadie Levin. Sadie gave time, passion and energy
toward building the Jewish community.

ANSHEI MITZVAH - ADULT B'NEI MITZVAH

Anshei Mitzvah is an opportunity for those adults who have never had a Bar or Bat Mitzvah to participate in group study that will culminate in being called to the Torah. This program is designed for those Jewish members of Temple Beth El who want to broaden their Judaic knowledge and experience.

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

SCHLOSS LECTURE

The lecture series was started by Marc and Mattye Silverman in memory of Marc’s uncle, Simeon Archibald “Happy” Schloss Jr., one of Temple Beth El’s founders. Each year the lecture series tries to focus on a current events and features community experts on the chosen topic.

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

WILDACRES RETREAT

Each year, as summer draws to a close and the High Holidays summon us to reflect on the Jewish New Year, we are delighted to invite you to join us for the Annual Wildacres Retreat. Usher in the New Year in a special way this year amid the majesty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the perfect place for introspection, community and learning.

Upcoming events for adults:

SHABBAT TORAH STUDY

Join us for lively discussion and intriguing insights about the weekly Torah reading with our Temple Beth El Clergy.

Upcoming educational events for everyone:

ROBYN FARBER LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

The Robyn Farber Leadership Development Program was created by Larry Farber in memory of his sister, Robyn, to ensure a continuous line of future leaders for Temple Beth El. The program sessions are led by TBE’s professional and lay leadership and cover a range of spiritual, educational, and social programming. If you are interested in a lay leadership position, this once-per-month commitment from October through May is a great way to meet peers and discover how your talents and interests can serve our congregation. Contact Laura Bernstein, Executive Director, to learn more about this program.